The Chargers, Steelers and Chiefs remain the only three teams to avoid a two-score loss this season. That figures to remain true for the Bolts this week against a Bills outfit still allergic to putting together a complete game on both sides of the ball. The return of Joey Bosa last week and possibly Austin Ekeler this week gives Los Angeles hope in what should be another narrow loss to a quality opponent.
Bills 31, Chargers 30
When last seen, the Bills (7-3) were having their hearts broken by Kyler's "Hail Murray" pass to DeAndre Hopkins. Just how much momentum that play sucked away from Buffalo will be determined this weekend in a home game against the Chargers (3-7), who have had too many injuries on defense to be relevant, but have enough offensive talent alongside quarterback Justin Herbert to cause problems for any opponent.
It is expected to be 49 degrees and clear at game time in Orchard Park, N.Y., conditions that will keep the passing game in play and lead to a fairly entertaining shootout between Herbert and the Bills' Josh Allen. Buffalo is likely to win, but the score should be closer than oddsmakers are predicting.
Pick: Chargers +5.5
MDS's take: I love Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, but the rest of the Chargers' roster has a lot of holes in it, and I like the Bills to win big.
MDS's pick: Bills 30, Chargers 20.
Florio's take: The Bills surely would have preferred to get right back on the horse after the Hail Murray, but with two weeks to get ready for L.A., the Bills should be ready to make their run at the franchise's first division title in 25 years.
Florio's pick: Bills 31, Chargers 21.
The Bills are coming off a bye and should have their offense revved up around Josh Allen to attack a Chargers' secondary that's really struggling. Justin Herbert will duel him well, but he's also going into a hostile environment with some weather concerns on a cross-country trip against a Buffalo defense that can dial up some good pressure.
Pick: Bills win 34-17
